The Eagle Harbor Inn, located in the picturesque, bay side village of Ephraim, consists of an old restored inn and a number of newish outbuildings that architecturally resemble the inn but contain new suites with amenities like jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces. Because of the latter, it feels like an ideal spot for a romantic getaway - but while I was there plenty of kids (all well-behaved) played happily on the property's small playground and were also enjoying the small pool. So, the place could easily work for both couples and families. And if you are single, the smaller inn rooms would be just fine as well.

For an extra fee, you can also enjoy the sumptuous breakfast baskets that contain, among other delicious items, pastries that are freshly baked on premises.

The yellow, motel style inn has been in operation since the 1950s, and while it is immaculate and somewhat upgraded, it still maintains the feel of a bygone era. There are no phones in the rooms, but the beds are comfy and clean and the views as good as you'll find anywhere on Lake Michigan. Best of all, the official house Dog, Max, makes it his mission to greet guests as they check-in.

Weather permitting, there's a bonfire each night with s'mores.

I stayed in two great hotels and saw a whole slew more. So, I'll be adding as many as I saw with my own eyes.

If only my great Uncle Francis had had such an experience. He died there, not as a guest, but as an inmate nearly sixty years ago. Why was he there? Apparently, a proto-beat nik, he stole a car when hitchhiking didn’t pan out. How did he die? Officially an accident. Possibly a suicide. Some thought murder. I’ll never know, but I do know that I am not the only person who will now be able to explore unfortunate family history while enjoying the hotel – and that’s pretty cool.

Some of them I agree with, some I don't. But the list sure is worth gazing upon.

Except for one thing, cell phones are annoying. Can you imagine a planeload of people on an airplane chatting on their phones for the whole flight? It would be worse than a New Jersey transit train. My theory? The airlines keep the bogus rule to keep people from annoying each other or giving out too much information.

1) I will never use all the towels in the room, just because.
2) I will never fill the specially designed bathtub at Loft 523 all the way to my chin. Nor will I request the room with the special double shower heads.
3) I will never turn the in-room thermostat down to 60 degrees, especially in Tuscon.
4) I will never take every shampoo, conditioner, lotion and little soap home, only to have them collect dust in my bathroom drawer.

So, anyone else want to confess something?

However, that's doesn't mean I hate hotels or I think that they are all liars or that eco-programs should be scrapped on the basis of hypocrisy alone. But I do think hotel executives and owners need to take a hard look at their claims and what's realistic for them to actually do, and guests need to make themselves more responsible. Drink water in a reusable glass. Reuse the towel. Don't take a three hour shower just because you can. And believe me, I've been guilty of using ten towels in the past...just because I could. Because isn't that part of the pleasure of a hotel? I'm not knocking pleasure, but I am saying shift that pleasure to the lovely "I'm doing the right thing for the earth" feeling that has become so marketable in the last few years. Because you can't be sure those sheets are really organic cotton.